The Upper West Region has reported 15 suspected meningitis cases, four of which have been confirmed through laboratory testing, with two fatalities recorded so far in the current meningitis season.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Josephat Nyuzaghl, noted that although the season is ongoing, the situation is relatively calm compared to last year, when the region recorded 269 suspected cases.
Of those cases, 36 were confirmed, and 18 lives were lost, resulting in a case fatality rate of approximately 6.7% below the World Health Organisation’s recommended maximum of 10%.
He added that most of last year’s cases were caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, primarily affecting young people aged 11 to 20, with Nadowli and Nandom districts bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
“The 2025–2026 meningitis season started around the last week of October and is expected to run until April. Compared to last year, we are seeing fewer cases and fewer fatalities, which shows that our preparedness measures are making a difference,” Dr Nyuzaghl said.
He explained that the health directorate is intensifying surveillance, improving access to treatment, and strengthening risk communication to prevent further cases and minimise deaths.
He also appealed to the media and community leaders to collaborate in educating the public about the early signs of meningitis and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.
Dr Nyuzaghl reassured residents that the regional health system remains vigilant and prepared to respond quickly to any new cases, emphasising that early detection, rapid treatment, and public awareness are critical in controlling meningitis outbreaks.
The infection
Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges.
The inflammation from meningitis most often triggers symptoms such as headache, fever, and neck stiffness.
Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis in the United States. Bacteria, parasites, and fungi also can cause it. Sometimes meningitis improves in a few weeks without treatment. But meningitis can also cause death. It often requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
Seeking medical care right away if you think you or someone in your family has meningitis is highly recommended. For bacterial meningitis, early treatment can prevent serious complications.
Early meningitis symptoms may be like those of the flu. Symptoms may develop over several hours or a few days.
Symptoms in people older than 2 years
The following may be symptoms of meningitis in people older than 2 years: Sudden high fever. Stiff neck, Bad headache, Nausea or vomiting, Confusion or trouble concentrating, Seizures, Sleepiness or trouble waking, Sensitivity to light, no desire to eat or drink, Skin rash sometimes, such as in meningococcal meningitis.
Symptoms in newborns and infants
Symptoms of meningitis in newborns and infants are as follows: High fever, Constant crying, being very sleepy or irritable, Trouble waking from sleep, being not active or sluggish, not waking to eat, Poor feeding, Vomiting, A bulge in the soft spot on top of the baby’s head, and Stiffness in the body and neck.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical care right away if you or someone in your family has meningitis symptoms such as: Fever, a bad headache that doesn’t go away, Confusion, Vomiting, or a stiff neck.
Bacterial meningitis can cause death within days without fast antibiotic treatment. Delayed treatment also increases the risk of long-term brain damage.
Talk with your healthcare professional if you’ve been near someone with meningitis. That may be a family member or someone you live or work with. You may need to take medicines to prevent getting an infection.
